(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone

Date: Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:32 a.m.
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Statement
- Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone's Visit to the Republic of Korea
Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States
The Cancellation of the Provision of Humanitarian Relief Goods for the Residents of the Northern Territories

1. Opening Statement

Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone's Visit to the Republic of Korea

Minister:
From February 10 to February 11, I will visit the Republic Korea. I am scheduled to have a Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting with Mr. Yu Myung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as pay a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak. This visit will be realized in response to the many invitations to the ROK which I have received from Mr. Yu Myung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during the Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Lima last November and on other occasions. Additionally, during Prime Minister Aso's visit to the ROK last month, President Lee also extended an invitation to me to visit the ROK. I believe that for the leaders of Japan and Korea, as well as for the foreign ministers, to meet frequently and exchange views contributes to the establishment of the so-called future-oriented mature partnership. I hope that I will also be able to hold fruitful discussions with my counterpart minister on common areas such as North Korean issues.

2. Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States

Question:
It has been officially announced that Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States, will visit Japan from February 16. What are the outcomes that you hope to achieve during the Japan-US foreign ministers' meeting?

Minister:
When I had a telephone conference with Secretary of State Clinton the other day, we agreed to meet at an early date. First of all, I am happy that the date of her visit has been settled quickly and that we will be able to hold a meeting. The fact that she chose to visit Japan as the destination of her first official overseas visit since taking up her position as Secretary of State shows that the US places importance on the Japan-US alliance and symbolizes Japan-US relations. I think that this is very meaningful. As to the contents of our meeting, I believe that important issues that the international community currently faces such as North Korean issues, nuclear issues, climate change issues and security issues will of course come up. However, the important thing is that we further strengthen the Japan-US alliance through meetings such as this one.

Question:
I believe that up until now, it was the Japanese side that usually made a visit when a new administration came into power in the US. What are your impressions of the Secretary of State making the first visit this time?

Minister:
This year the Diet session started early in the year and deliberations on important issues such as economic countermeasures, the second supplementary budget and the budget for fiscal 2009 have been or will be conducted, and it is important for Japan to strengthen its economy. Due to these circumstances and also to the new US Secretary of State's various relationships with Japan and other countries, this was the decision the US side came to.

Question:
From the US point of view, to chose Japan as the destination of the first official visit shows how the US emphasizes its relationship with Japan, as you stated. In what manner would you like to reciprocate the US sentiment that Japan-US relations are important?

Minister:
I just stated that there are many issues that currently concern the international community. Among these issues, I believe that the issue of the global economy is the most significant. Given this, I believe that this is an opportunity for Japan and the US, the top two economies of the world, to conduct high-level consultations and discuss concrete measures to resolve economic issues. There are also issues of security, so it is very meaningful for us to meet directly and discuss ongoing issues.

Question:
There is some concern that the Obama Administration will take a conciliatory stance in its North Korean policies. What are your thoughts on concrete actions for the Japanese government to take, such as caution the US or discuss what Japan and the US can do together?

Minister:
There are various issues such as North Korean issues, nuclear issues and the issue of missiles. I believe that Secretary of State Clinton is fully aware of them. She has also talked of the importance of these issues, and I believe that she will work with us to further advance the progress of the Six-Party Talks. I believe that we will also discuss with her the issues as seen from Japan's position.

Question:
Are there any plans to confirm the importance of the Japan-US-ROK framework for North Korean measures during the Japan-ROK foreign ministers' meeting and the Japan-US foreign ministers' meeting?

Minister:
We have not discussed the detailed agenda of the meetings. However, naturally it is important for Japan, the US and the ROK to cooperate in order to deal with this issue. So I believe that even without making a joint statement, we will of course communicate and move in step with each other.

Question:
You just stated that Japan would cooperate to resolve international issues. Among these, there is the fight against terrorism, the issue of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and, although this is not directly related to the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Gaza Strip, which greatly affects peace in the Middle East. Regarding these three issues, what message would you personally like to convey to the US side?

Minister:
First of all, I believe it to be important that the US side understands how Japan plans to deal with the fight against terrorism, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as issues in the Middle East, including Israel and the Gaza Strip. Japan is undertaking projects mainly for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip as well as in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I would like to convey how Japan intends to go about strengthening these activities further.

Question:
At the meeting, do you plan to present any new proposals that Japan will commit itself to?

Minister:
The contents of the meeting are still under discussion and I do not know what the outcome will be. This is still under consideration.

3. The Cancellation of the Provision of Humanitarian Relief Goods for the Residents of the Northern Territories

Question:
Concerning the recent cancellation of the assistance project for the residents of the Four Northern Islands, what is the current status of negotiation with the Russian side and the outlook for the future?

Minister:
It is greatly regrettable that the relief goods from Japan have failed to be delivered to the residents. We are negotiating with the Russian side so that we can resume the delivery of the goods, which we have promoted based on goodwill, in the same way and with the same procedure as before.

Question:
With the possibility of a Japan-Russia summit meeting on February 18, is there any prospect of resolving the issue by then?

Minister:
Again, negotiations are underway. As far as we judge from the moves up to today, the Russian side has not softened its stance, though we cannot say that for sure since Russia has announced a new policy on the issue. Yet, there are past agreements as well as the need of the former Japanese residents to visit their family graves on the islands and the need of the current Russian residents to visit here. Against all these backdrops, we intend to continue talks in order to continue the provision of relief goods.

Question:
The local head of the South Kuril District in Kunashiri Island has been interviewed in a couple of news reports, suggesting the possibility of himself sailing on a Russian vessel to Nemuro to pick up the goods. What are your thoughts on this idea?

Minister:
I am aware of the report. I take this as an indication of the substantial need for Japan's humanitarian relief project there – given that they explicitly said they want our goods – as well as their gratitude for Japan's previous assistance. What is the most important, though, is to clear up the issue of the disembarkation card. I think it is essential that we continue this project with the established procedure, in the way that we have been following, and not resort to a "come and get" way. To sum up, we must seek resolution in a way that does not infringe Japan's legal status.

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